My oldest is U19 and I’m loving it this year because the games are real. They are men now - mlsnext and it is great exciting soccer.

And —the parents are quiet. A lot of times there aren’t many parents at all on the sidelines because they drive themselves. Heaven.

The only thing I have hated about youth soccer is listening to other parents coach from the sideline and scream and criticize every time a kid touches the ball.

We are at U13 and def some weeks feels like a grind. Done seasons I have carpool others I don't and my kid does want me but not DH at every game. I have a hate/love relationship with travel as DD has fun, is good, I'm happy sons seasons more than others with chatting with families on team but I just think it's a good thing for her to have this commitment. On the other hand hod it's a damn 4-5 commitment each away game sometimes or more and if tournaments in MD OMG. It's hard giving up weekends sleeping in too. But I can appreciate also having this. So yeah, love/hate being a professional driver to soccer

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your kid is 17. You do not need to go to every single practice or game.

I wouldn't miss my teen's games. These days will be over before you know it.

And your life will be over too. Are you going to look back and remember that you made every single game on your death bed? Probably not…

There's a season. Right now I want to soak in the time I have left with my kids. What could I be doing that is more important than being present? It has nothing to do with your deathbed, it has to do with right now. It matters to my kids so it matter to me.

Yeah, PP is ridiculous. You can “have a whole day” too — what? get your nails done, get a massage, be “pampered,” go to yoga? Ugh. Some of us would rather be there for our kids’ performances/games when they want us there.

+1

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your kid is 17. You do not need to go to every single practice or game.

I wouldn't miss my teen's games. These days will be over before you know it.

And your life will be over too. Are you going to look back and remember that you made every single game on your death bed? Probably not…

There's a season. Right now I want to soak in the time I have left with my kids. What could I be doing that is more important than being present? It has nothing to do with your deathbed, it has to do with right now. It matters to my kids so it matter to me.

Yeah, PP is ridiculous. You can “have a whole day” too — what? get your nails done, get a massage, be “pampered,” go to yoga? Ugh. Some of us would rather be there for our kids’ performances/games when they want us there.

Anonymous wrote:Your kid is 17. You do not need to go to every single practice or game.

I've never attended their practices, just dropped them off and picked up. Now that they have their license, they drive themselves to practice. We only go watch their games especially if it's a far drive.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your kid is 17. You do not need to go to every single practice or game.

I wouldn't miss my teen's games. These days will be over before you know it.

And your life will be over too. Are you going to look back and remember that you made every single game on your death bed? Probably not…

There's a season. Right now I want to soak in the time I have left with my kids. What could I be doing that is more important than being present? It has nothing to do with your deathbed, it has to do with right now. It matters to my kids so it matter to me.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your kid is 17. You do not need to go to every single practice or game.

I wouldn't miss my teen's games. These days will be over before you know it.

And your life will be over too. Are you going to look back and remember that you made every single game on your death bed? Probably not…

Anonymous wrote:Your kid is 17. You do not need to go to every single practice or game.

I wouldn't miss my teen's games. These days will be over before you know it.

Your kid is 17. You do not need to go to every single practice or game.

Anonymous wrote:My son has an upcoming match 4 hours away and the club is providing a bus. I told myself I'd always try to make it to see him play. I asked him if he wanted me to come and all he could muster was, "I don't not want you to come." 😄. I'm definitely going.

Man, why????? That's a free day for you right there.

My son has an upcoming match 4 hours away and the club is providing a bus. I told myself I'd always try to make it to see him play. I asked him if he wanted me to come and all he could muster was, "I don't not want you to come." 😄. I'm definitely going.

This(and getting more money out of you) is why they never let you or the player have an off-season.

It’s a never ending grind for the players and the parents. If your kid stops or takes time off many do not come back. The schedule and time commitment from u9 up is crazy.

I agree with the PP.

Lots of my friends who have children finished college soccer have frequently said to enjoy every minute/moment of this time. Once, they finish playing, parents all wished they can continue watching their kids play. Some of them are waiting for their grandchildren to play soccer or sports in general.

Yes, it’s a pain in the butt especially being on the sidelines in subfreezing temperatures/extreme heat or driving 4-5 hours to away games. But I’m certain your DCs appreciate you being there even though they never say it. 😂

By U-17, many parents have been doing this for 8-10 years (and that's assuming just one kid). All the practicing and travel to games, tournaments, showcases, etc. can certainly wear you down especially over that many years. But I also think that a lot of us will miss it when it's gone (which is not that far away at U-17). Hang in there! Your days of having a soccer-free long weekend are not that far away!

Does anyone else just get tired of games every weekend all year long?

I love watching my U-17 DD play soccer, but sometimes I just get tired of the practices games travel etc… My DD puts in lots of work, stays busy with soccer over the summer and during HS plays for her club as well…Papa just needs a break

Anyone else get burnt out by years long soccer?